Utah Tech’s B-Team Shocks BYU in Pickleball Showdown: Utah Tech’s club pickleball team continued to build its reputation as a powerhouse, securing a 3-1 victory over BYU in a showcase match at the Little Valley Sports Complex. The event took place during the Professional Pickleball Association’s (PPA) Black Desert Resort Red Rock Open in St. George, Utah.
The win came despite Utah Tech using players from its “B” team, as its starters were competing in Florida ahead of their national title defense in Atlanta later this month. The Trailblazers are the reigning national collegiate pickleball champions and are preparing to defend their title.
A Growing Program with Strong Talent
Utah Tech’s pickleball club has grown significantly in recent years, attracting large numbers of students. Super senior Ben Spencer highlighted the intense competition just to make the team. “The club itself is huge. Club nights are really popular,” Spencer told St. George News.
“I feel bad for the coaches, having to pick X amount of players over how many come and try out.” – (Spencer)
Spencer recalled that over 150 students tried out last year, but only 20 to 30 players were selected across men’s and women’s teams.
“Very quality players, very competitive.” – (Spencer)
Showcase Performance Against BYU
In the matchup against BYU, Utah Tech’s depth was on display. Spencer and Nui Afualo teamed up to win a men’s doubles match, while Brinley Horton and Dylan Ciampani secured a victory in women’s doubles.
“We’re trying to work with the wind out here. It’s a little rough sometimes, a little pickleball. We were able to stay consistent with that wind and played it well.” – (Horton)
Horton praised her partner’s strong play.
“…an animal on the court. She handled a lot of the points and the put-aways, so I just got to stay level and we pulled it out. That was a good win for us.” – (Horton)
BYU won a mixed doubles match, but Ciampani and Payton Webber responded with a win in the fourth match, sealing Utah Tech’s 3-1 victory.
Building Toward Another Title
Utah Tech’s players are determined to defend their national championship. Horton reflected on the team’s progress from a small club to a national contender.
“All of our players are so awesome. They have their own personal journeys that they’ve been working on with going pro and stuff like that. Everybody has put a lot of time and work into the team and also into their own pickleball.” – (Horton)
She added that the team continues to grow stronger.
“With that everybody is dedicated and we’ve been able to have a good season so far. We’re excited. There’s lots to come and our roster is beginning to become a little deeper. So we have some good players coming up.” – (Horton)
Future of Utah Tech Pickleball
Horton, a sophomore from Sandy, Utah, now living in St. George, described how being on the team has been a great experience.
“We encourage people to try and work and become better at pickleball. Being on the team has been awesome. Everybody supports each other and it’s great to be on a team and feel like you’re a part of something.”- (Horton)
She also emphasized the sport’s rapid surge.
“It’s such a great growing sport, too. I think everybody would want to be on Utah Tech pickleball.” – (Horton)
News in Brief: Utah Tech’s B-Team Shocks BYU in Pickleball Showdown
Utah Tech’s club pickleball team defeated BYU 3-1 in a showcase match at the Little Valley Sports Complex. The team’s “B” squad secured the win while the starters competed in Florida. With a strong roster and growing popularity, Utah Tech is preparing to defend its national collegiate pickleball title later this month.
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